7 Best Cameras For Hiking & Backpacking 2022
Breathtaking landscapes and fresh air – hiking is one of the best ways to relax and get away from it all. Mountain vistas, idyllic waterfalls, and towering forests; there are few things as beautiful as nature. Capturing those experiences on camera is a great way to share your hikes with friends and family and to keep the memories alive.
Our Top Picks
Whether hiking with kids or friends a good camera will help you capture the most of nature. Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or an aspiring professional photographer, purchasing a good camera is well worth the cost.
When it comes to choosing the best cameras for hiking, there are a few factors you need to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want something lightweight and easy to carry – after all, hikes can be long and strenuous, and the last thing you want is a bulky camera weighing you down. You’ll also want something with good battery life, as you won’t want to be constantly stopping to recharge your camera in the middle of a hike. And finally, you’ll want something that takes great pictures!
Without further ado, let’s get started!
What Is The Best Camera For Hiking & Backpacking?
Here is our review of the best camera for hiking & backpacking.
The 7 Best Cameras for Hiking & Backpacking
- Best Overall Hiking Camera – Olympus Tough TG-6
- Best Point and Shoot Hiking Camera – Sony Rx 100 VII
- Best Mirrorless Hiking Camera – Sony Alpha a6600
- Best Budget Hiking Camera – Canon Powershot Elph 190 IS
- Best DSLR Hiking Camera For Hiking – Nikon D3500
- Best Video Hiking Camera – Sony A7 IV
- Best Action Hiking Camera – GoPro Hero 9 Black
1) Best Overall Camera For Hiking – Olympus Tough TG-6
The Olympus Tough TG-6 camera has no limit to the adventures it can capture. This ultra-rugged camera fits in your pocket and takes breathtaking photos. Despite being a compact camera, it’s packed with sophisticated high-tech features and a waterproof camera too.
Hikers and other adventurers will love the host of sensors and tracking abilities of the TG-6. The GPS, altimeter/depth gauge, compass, accelerometer, and thermometer will record every detail of your journey. The best part is the GPS data is linked to your photo’s metadata, letting you geolocate your pics in software like Lightroom or apple photos.
The TG-6 comes with many accessories, including a waterproof case (50m of additional depth), lenses, a remote, and much more. Scale the highest mountain or explore the ocean’s depths; with the Olympus Tough TG-6. Nothing is out of reach.
Specs
- Camera Type: Point-and-Shoot
- Weight: 8.9oz/253g
- Resolution: 12MP
- Lens: 25-100mm F2.0-4.9
- Video: 4K/30fps
- Weather-Sealed: Waterproof to 50ft/15m
- Battery Life: 340 shots
What We like
- Durable, rugged design
- Waterproof camera
- Data tracking
- Supports RAW format
What We Didn’t Like
- The menu system is confusing
- No Bluetooth connectivity (wireless only)
Recommendation
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is the best overall camera for hiking and backpacking. Its durable construction can withstand any abuse you throw at it while easily tracking your data.
Price
$500
2) Best Point and Shoot Camera For Hiking – Sony RX 100 VII
Overview
The best point-and-shoot camera for hiking is the Sony RX100 VII. This pocket-sized powerhouse offers incredible image quality thanks to its large 1-inch sensor. The Zeiss optics provide excellent low-light performance, and the autofocus system is blazing fast.
4K video recording is supported and super slow motion 1080p at 960fps. The tilting LCD makes it ideal for vlogging your time on the trail, and the built-in pop-up optical viewfinder is handy for bright sunny days.
The only downside of the RX100 VII is its price tag which is relatively high for a point-and-shoot camera. But if you’re looking for the best possible image quality in a compact camera, the RX100 VII is hard to beat. However, better mirrorless camera options are slightly heavier and pack many more features at a similar price.
Specs
- Camera Type: Point-and-Shoot
- Weight: 10.7oz/ 302g
- Resolution: 20MP
- Lens: 24mm-200mm f/2.8-4.5
- Video: 4K 30fps
- Weather-Sealed: No
- Battery Life: 260 Shots
What We like
- Amazing image quality
- Fast autofocus system
- 4K video recording
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive
- No weather sealing
Recommendation
The Sony RX100 VII is the best camera for hiking and backpacking. It offers incredible image quality, fast autofocus, and 4K video recording.
Price
MSRP $1,399.99
3) Best Mirrorless Camera For Hiking – Sony Alpha a6600
Overview
The Sony a6600 is the best camera for hiking on the market, offering great features and impressive battery life. Introduced in 2019, the Sony a6600 is still the best camera in the a6000 line. It has been a favorite of hikers and backpackers for years because of its in-body image stabilization and quality.
The Sony a6600 has many features that make it the best camera for hiking. The battery life is incredible and will last you all day, and the built-in image stabilization is top-notch. The autofocus tracking is excellent and will keep your subjects in focus even when they move around.
One of the best things about the Sony a6600 is that it is very lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry with you on your hikes without feeling weighed down. Additionally, the a6600 comes with various lenses and an optical viewfinder.
Specs
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Weight: 17.74oz/ 503g (camera body only)
- Resolution: 24.2 MP
- Lens: Interchangeable
- Video: 4K 30fps
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- battery life: 720 Shots
What We like
- Interchangeable lenses
- Great battery life
- Image stabilization
- Superb Image quality
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive
- Must purchase lenses separately
Recommendation
The Sony a6600 is the best camera for hikers and backpackers. It offers excellent features, an impressive battery life, and is lightweight and compact. Additionally, the a6600 comes with various lenses that you can choose depending on your needs.
Price
MSRP $1399.99 + lenses
4) Best Budget Camera For Hiking – Canon Powershot Elph 190 IS
Overview
The best budget camera is the Canon Powershot Elph 190 IS. It’s a high-quality compact camera with a 10x optical zoom lens and Wi-Fi connectivity. In recent years, the small sub $200 point-and-shoot camera market has all but dried up as cell phone cameras have taken over.
However, if you are looking to ditch the cell phone and want a camera that fits easily in your pocket and is simple to use, the Canon Elph 190 IS is a great option and our top pick.
Specs
- Camera Type: Point-and-Shoot
- Weight: 4.87 oz/ 138g
- Resolution: 20MP
- Lens: 24mm – 240mm
- Video: 720p
- Weather-Sealed: No
- Battery Life: 190 shots
What We like
- Small and lightweight
- Affordable
- 10x optical zoom lens
- Wi-Fi connectivity
What We Didn’t Like
- Image quality is not as good as more expensive cameras
- No manual exposure mode
Recommendation
The Canon Powershot Elph 190 IS is the best budget camera for hiking and backpacking. It’s small, lightweight, and affordable, with a 10x optical zoom lens.
Price
MSRP $179.99
5) Best DSLR Camera For Hiking – Nikon D3500
Overview
The Nikon D3500 is our top pick for the best DSLR camera for hiking. It’s an entry-level DSLR that’s easy to use and has plenty of features for beginner photographers.
The Nikon D3500 is an excellent choice for hikers and backpackers who want a lightweight and portable DSLR that’s easy to use but still produces exceptional image quality. The 24MP sensor is good enough for most purposes, and the camera is compatible with a wide range of Nikon lenses. It also has a great battery life, making it a good choice for long days on the trail.
Although it doesn’t have image stabilization built into the body, many of Nikon’s lenses have VR (Vibration Reduction), which helps to reduce camera shake and blur. The 18-55mm kit lens that’s often bundled with the D3500 has VR, and we think it’s worth paying the extra for this feature.
Specs
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Weight: 12.9oz /365 g (body only)
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Lens: Interchangeable
- Video: 1080p 60fps
- Weather-Sealed: No
- Battery Life: 1550 Shots
What We like
- Light for a DSLR
- Hi-Resolution
- Ease of use
What We Didn’t Like
- No in-built image stabilization
- No 4K Video
- The rear LCD doesn’t rotate
Recommendation
The Nikon D3500 is our top pick for the best DSLR camera for hiking. It’s a great entry-level DSLR that’s easy to use with plenty of features for beginner photographers, and it produces excellent image quality for the price. Hikers will enjoy its light weight and long battery life.
Price
MSRP $650 + lenses
6) Best Video Camera For Hiking – Sony A7 IV
Overview
The Sony a7R IV is the company’s fourth generation, high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera. Built around a BSI-CMOS sensor, it can shoot up to 10 frames per second with full autofocus. It also gains a 16-shot high-resolution mode that can generate 240MP images of static scenes.
The a7R IV offers some of the best video specs of any mirrorless camera on the market. This full-frame camera can shoot 4K video. It also has built-in 5-axis image stabilization, which will come in handy when shooting video handheld.
The a7R IV is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-end video camera that can also double as a stills camera. It offers superior image quality, fast autofocus, and a good build.
Specs
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Weight: 23.5oz/ 665g (camera body only)
- Resolution: 61MP
- Lens: Interchangeable
- Video: 4K 30fps
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Battery Life: 520 Shots
What We like
- Excellent image and video quality
- Full frame camera
- Fast autofocus
- Image quality
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive
- Must purchases lenses
- Heavier than some of the alternatives on the list
Recommendation
The Sony a7R IV is an excellent choice for a top-of-the-line high-end video camera that also takes great photos. It offers impressive image quality, beautiful videos, fast autofocus, a great build, and a full-frame camera.
Price
MSRP $3,500 + lenses
7) Best Action Camera For Hiking – GoPro Hero 10 Black
Overview
Although the GoPro is a sports action camera, it is also an excellent choice for hiking. It has many features perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, including GPS, a rugged design, and fantastic image stabilization. Photos from a GoPro camera are top-notch.
This year GoPro Hero Black 10 has an all-new GP2 processor that unlocks some serious potential. The new model of this iconic action cam takes full advantage of its 23-megapixel processor and increased video frame rates.
The best thing about the GoPro is that it’s so user-friendly that even first-time action camera users can figure out how to use all of its features without too much trouble.
Specs
- Camera Type: Action Cam
- Weight: 5.4 oz/ 153g
- Resolution: 23MP
- Lens: 16.5mm equivalent
- Video: 5.3K 60fps
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Battery Life: 2hrs
What We like
- User-friendly
- 23-megapixel sensor
- increased video frame rates
- Image quality
What We Didn’t Like
- wide-angle photos only
Recommendation
The GoPro Hero 10 Black is the best hiking action camera. It is user-friendly, has an excellent 23-megapixel sensor, and increased video frame rates.
Price
MSRP $549.98
Hiking and Backpacking Camera Buying Advice
Types of Cameras
There are many different types of cameras on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras are becoming increasingly popular. They are similar to DSLR cameras because they have interchangeable lenses but do not have a mirror inside the camera body, making them lighter and more compact than DSLRs.
One of the main advantages of mirrorless cameras is that they have excellent autofocus systems, which is essential for hikers who want to take quick photos.
Another advantage of mirrorless cameras is that they have better video quality than DSLRs which is perfect for hikers to document their adventures.
DSLR Cameras
DSLR cameras are the most popular type of camera on the market. They have been around for many years and are trusted by professional photographers worldwide.
One of the main advantages of DSLRs is their large sensor size which results in high-quality photos, even in low-light conditions. DSLR cameras also have more lens options than mirrorless cameras.
The downside to a DSLR camera is its weight.
Point and Shoot Cameras
These compact cameras are a good option for hikers who want a lightweight and easy-to-use camera. They are much smaller than DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, making them easy to carry in your pocket or backpack.
The main advantages of point-and-shoot compact cameras are their ease of use and low cost. They are an excellent option for hikers on a tight budget.
Action Cameras
Action cameras suit hikers and backpackers who want to document their adventures with high-quality video footage. Compact and lightweight, they are easy to carry while hiking. They have excellent video and are very rugged.
The downside of these compact cameras is that they have a fixed lens length meaning you can’t change the look of a shot or zoom in on a subject if they are far away.
Rugged Cameras
Rugged cameras are a good option for hikers who want a durable, reliable camera. They will withstand being dropped or getting wet. A waterproof camera is perfect for hiking in all conditions.
The main advantages of rugged cameras are their toughness and durability. You don’t have to worry about them getting damaged on your hike.
Weather Sealing
A weather-sealed camera is essential for hikers. These cameras will withstand the elements, such as rain or snow. Weather sealing, however, does not mean it is a waterproof camera. It simply means the camera is weather sealed against water and dust.
Lenses Selection
Choosing the right lens, or more accurately, a collection of lenses, is critical for success as a hiker photographer. The best lenses for hiking photography are lightweight and have a wide field of view.
Telephoto lenses are also popular among hikers, as they allow you to zoom in on distant subjects without getting too close. When choosing lenses, you want to find the highest quality, lightest weight lenses and try to overlap the ranges so that you can cover a wide focal range with as few lenses as possible.
Camera Size
When choosing the best hiking and backpacking camera, one crucial consideration is the size of the camera. You want to find a compact camera that is lightweight and easy to carry on your hikes. These cameras are functional and easy to carry but don’t offer the same features as a mirrorless or DSLR camera.
Easy to use
The most reliable hiking and backpacking camera should be user-friendly. Every camera takes time to learn the menus and how it works. Be sure to spend some time with your camera before your first hike. You don’t want to be learning about your camera for the first time while hiking and backpacking and end up missing that all-important photo.
Storage capacity
Storage capacity is an essential component when buying a camera. You need to use a high-speed SD card when taking photos or videos.
Using Your Smartphone Camera
Phones these days have excellent cameras with outstanding resolutions. With the proper settings and practice, you can take great photos with your phone while hiking. I regularly use my phone to take pictures on the trail.
A smartphone camera does not have optical zoom, which limits the photos you can take. You can use attachable lenses, but this adds weight, and the lenses are often low quality, causing aberrations in your photos.
Carrying Your Camera
A camera bag and strap are essential for hiking. You want your camera stored securely but accessible. A good camera bag will protect your camera from the elements and minimize any movement that could cause damage.
FAQ
What is the best camera for hiking & backpacking?
The best overall camera is the Olympus Tough TG-6. It is a durable camera that can withstand various weather conditions and terrain. It also has a great lens and resolution, making it perfect for capturing all your hiking adventures.
What type of camera would be best for a hiking trip?
The best cameras for hiking will be the ones that best suit your individual needs and preferences. Consider what you want to use your camera for and how important factors like weight, size, and image quality are to you. With so many great options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect camera for your next hike.
What camera do backpackers use?
Backpackers use a variety of cameras. When hiking, I often take my cell phone, a GoPro, and a Sony a6500. With a combination of cameras and lenses, I can always get the photo I want.
Is GoPro suitable for hiking?
Yes, the GoPro is suitable for hiking. It is lightweight, small, and takes beautiful photos. Wide-angle shots are great for close-ups and landscape vistas, but if your subject is too far away, you won’t be able to zoom in.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a camera to take on your next hiking trip or just want to capture stunning photos of your hikes around town, there are plenty of great options. Review the list of the best cameras and consider which best suits your needs, and get out there and start snapping some beautiful photos!
See you on the trail!
